How would you develop, engage, mentor, train and assess a group of 30 part-time student workers at a non-conventional Tech Desk? As part of my interview to become the Service Desk Manager in the Vice Provost Office of Teaching and Learning at Stanford University, I was tasked to formulate an answer to that complex question. In turn, I developed a philosophy entitled "Taking the S.T.A.I.R.S". It outlines what I’ve come to think are the most important ideas and concepts to successfully managing a group of student workers. Specifically, identifying Strengths in each individual student, being Transparent with them, emphasizing Accountability and responsibility, seek Input and teaching how to take initiative, Respecting each other and the university, and finally showing Support for the student workers and their decisions. Now, roughly 6 months at my new position, I keep returning to this philosophy and evaluating just how effective it has been.
